Gregory, R. A. (2013). The Archaeology of the West-East Link Main Pipeline. Lancaster: Oxford Archaeology (North).

Booklet presenting the results of an extensive programme of archaeological investigation carried out in 2009-11 along the route of one of the largest pipelines ever constructed by an English water company, between Prescot in Merseyside and Bury in Greater Manchester. Explains the scope of the project and the stages of investigation. The prehistoric background to the general area is then outlined, and environmental sampling of a wetland area along the route (Chat Moss) is described and its significance explained. Other than finds of some prehistoric artefacts and medieval pottery, archaeological remains along the route were largely confined to the post-medieval period, with much of the evidence relating to farming activity and associated rural settlement of the mid-16th to late 19th centuries. Remains of industrial and mining activity were also encountered, however, and the historical context of these findings is described. A final section includes notes on national and local planning policy and the provision of archaeological planning advice within the region. LD